Exercise and yoga mat

ABSTRACT

In various exemplary embodiments, an exercise mat has a top surface and bottom surface, a wider zone in the front and middle portions, and a narrower zone in the back portion, wherein the sides of the mat are curved from front to back. A center line marked on the top surface of the mat extends from the front edge of the mat to the back edge of the mat, and a center design marked on the top surface of the mat may be centered on a point that is less than 33% of the distance from the front edge of the mat to the back edge of the mat. The outline of the mat may be similar to the outline of a surfboard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to the field of exercise equipment. In particular, the invention relates to a mat for use in exercise and meditation such as yoga.

2. Description of Related Art

Exercise mats have developed for various types of stretching and exercising. In particular, specialized mats have been developed for practicing yoga and similar techniques. Yoga provides not only physical training, but also mental and emotional training It is most effective when the practitioner can focus solely on their yoga practice in a relaxed state of mind. A yoga mat is an important piece of equipment for anyone that practices yoga. Prior art yoga mats have typically been made in the shape of a relatively long narrow rectangle, most commonly about two feet wide and six feet long. The prior art includes alternatively shaped yoga mats with an hourglass shape, a circular shape, or with arms extending laterally at different points. The prior art also includes yoga mats with markings showing specific locations for placement of body parts during different poses, targets, and similar markings However, the prior art has failed to provide an effective yoga mat that combines functional improvements with a design that evokes a helpful mental and emotional state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An exercise mat having a top surface and bottom surface, a wider zone in the front and middle portions, and a narrower zone in the back portion, wherein the sides of the mat are curved from front to back. A center line marked on the top surface of the mat extends from the front edge of the mat to the back edge of the mat, and a center design marked on the top surface of the mat may be centered on a point that is less than 33% of the distance from the front edge of the mat to the back edge of the mat. The outline of the mat may be similar to the outline of a surfboard. The mat may include additional lines marked on the top surface of the mat extending from the front edge of the mat to the back edge of the mat. Such additional lines may be equidistant from and located on opposite sides of the center line and may be similar to the markings on a surfboard. The center design may be centered on a point that is between 15% and 20% of the distance from the front edge of the mat to the back edge of the mat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of an exemplary embodiment of the yoga mat.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the yoga mat.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the yoga mat.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the yoga mat.

FIG. 5 is a back view of an exemplary embodiment of the yoga mat.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of the yoga mat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Descriptions of specific embodiments or applications are provided only as examples. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Moreover, while the present invention is discussed herein primarily with respect to a mat for use in yoga practice, it will be understood that the present invention can be used in any application in which a similar type of exercise mat is used. Reference herein to a yoga mat is for convenience and does not limit the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, in various exemplary embodiments, the present invention is a mat 100 for practicing yoga or other exercises that is shaped to be rounded in the front 102, with a wider zone 104 through the front and middle sections, and then tapers so that it is narrower at the back 106. The wider zone 104 extends through the portion of the mat 100 where the user's upper body will generally be positioned, with the widest point generally positioned in the area extending from the user's shoulders through to their hips when the user is laying down on the mat.

In various exemplary embodiments, the widest point of the mat will generally be between 2.5 and 3 feet wide. This allows some or all of the user's shoulders and arms to remain on the mat, rather than the floor when laying on the mat. The wider zone also allows more space when the user is practicing sitting positions such as butterfly or lotus poses and/or twisting poses in which the user's knees and legs may extend laterally. In various exemplary embodiments, the mat will generally be between 6 and 9 feet long.

In various exemplary embodiments the sides of the mat are gently curved and the shape of the mat 100 is akin to and evokes the shape of a surfboard when viewed from a top or orthogonal view, which is commonly referred to as its outline. This effect can be enhanced by using markings and designs on the mat 100 that are commonly found on surfboards, such as a center line 110 marked at least on the top surface of the mat 100, extending from end-to-end on the longitudinal axis of the mat. Such a center line 110 visually evokes the center “stringer” or reinforcing element commonly found on surfboards. Secondary lines 112, 114 extending from end-to-end longitudinally on either side of the center line 110 can also be used to evoke additional side “stringers” commonly found on certain types of surfboards. Different combinations of the outline, center line, and/or secondary lines can be used to evoke different types of commonly known surfboards such as shortboards, longboards, thrusters, fish, etc.

A central design 116 such as a logo or similar design may also be placed on the top surface of the mat 100 in a position typical for logo placement on a surfboard, most commonly on the centerline at a point where it will be visible to a person lying prone on the surfboard or in this case on the mat 100. Other markings and designs associated with surfboards, such as a simulated attachment point for a surfing leash can also be used to complement the design and reinforce the association of the mat 100 with a surfboard.

By evoking a surfboard and surfing in general, the outline and markings on the mat 100 help to promote a proper mental and emotional state for the user. Surfing is physically demanding, while at the same time it is commonly compared by users to a form of meditation, and typically evokes a sense of calm and wellbeing. Like yoga, surfing brings a sense of personal accomplishment and has a positive impact on the physical, mental, and emotional states of the practitioner. Whether an accomplished surfer, a beginner, or just someone who is inspired by surfing, the outline and markings on such a mat help to put the user into the best possible state of mind to perform their yoga practice or other exercises.

The various markings on the top surface of the mat 100 also are highly effective in helping the user to obtain and maintain correct body positioning and balance. Many yoga poses and other exercises or stretches require alignment of different parts of the body to be most effective. The center line 110 provides a guide for positioning the body for a stable foundation and alignment. This is particularly important in performing yoga poses referred to as standing asanas, and in moving between poses that require alignment of the positions of the feet and hands. The secondary lines 112, 114 similarly provide guides for positioning the body, particularly for positions that require the feet and/or hands to be equally spaced from the spine.

In various exemplary embodiments, a central design 116 may be located near the front of the mat 100 to be visible to the user in a variety of positions and help to establish and maintain correct positioning on the mat. Such a central design 116 may be akin to a logo on a surfboard that is commonly positioned to provide a reference point for the surfer to find the proper body position to keep the board trimmed correctly during paddling and takeoff. While such a central design 116 will optimally be positioned such that it is centered on a point that is 17% of the distance from the front edge of the mat to the back edge of the mat, it is also effective to center it on a point that is 15% to 20% of the distance from the front edge of the mat to the back edge of the mat and it can be placed on the center line 110 at any point in the front third of the mat. Some yoga poses, particularly balance poses, need a focal point for the eyes and this placement provides such a focal point at the ideal location. The central design 116 also provides a position for centering poses, and symbolizes the user's center to help with positioning and focus. It is also particularly helpful for maintaining alignment during a sequence of poses that are performed together, with the practitioner flowing from position to position on the mat such as a common sequence known as Sun Salutation.

The central design 116 is also useful for practicing meditation using such techniques as drishti. Drishti is a gazing technique that develops concentration by gazing at a fixed point or an object. Particularly for beginners, concentrating on a point or object allows the practitioner to more easily let go of their thoughts and steady the mind. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise mat comprising: an elongated mat having a top surface and bottom surface, the mat comprising a wider zone in the front and middle portions and narrower zone in the back portion, wherein the sides of the mat are curved from front to back; a center line marked on the top surface of the mat extending from the front edge of the mat to the back edge of the mat; and a center design marked on the top surface of the mat centered on a point that is less than 33% of the distance from the front edge of the mat to the back edge of the mat.
 2. The exercise mat of claim 1, wherein the outline of the mat is similar to the outline of a surfboard.
 3. The exercise mat of claim 1, further comprising two additional lines marked on the top surface of the mat extending from the front edge of the mat to the back edge of the mat.
 4. The exercise mat of claim 3, wherein the two additional lines are equidistant from and located on opposite sides of the center line.
 5. The exercise mat of claim 2, wherein the markings on the mat are similar to the markings on a surfboard.
 6. The exercise mat of claim 1, wherein the center design is centered on a point that is between 15% and 20% of the distance from the front edge of the mat to the back edge of the mat.
 7. The exercise mat of claim 6, wherein the center design is centered on a point that is between 17% of the distance from the front edge of the mat to the back edge of the mat. 